Sudoku game board

ABSTRACT

The Sudoku game board is a white-erase board, or other erasable surface, and it is this application, using an erasable surface, that is new and different. The board has a permanent Sudoku grid on it: first a 3×3 grid which is then sub-divided into 3×3. This grid is the basis for Sudoku puzzles. Using an appropriate marker the player writes in the given numbers of a puzzle, then works the puzzle in another color. The player can easily erase mistakes or other marks and would erase all the numbers on the board after completion. The grid, being permanent, makes this a re-useable surface as the grid would not be removed. The board can be made in various sizes, giving the player more options. The purpose of the game board is to provide a surface for Sudoku puzzles to be worked in a re-useable and more convenient format.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

There was an incomplete nonprovisional application Ser. No. 11/581,590with date of Oct. 17, 2006. The accompanying letter, dated Nov. 3, 2006directed me to re-submit my claim in this form. I am also enclosing acopy of that letter, as directed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is recreational, for use by Sudoku puzzle fans. There aremany books of Sudoku puzzles, but not a game board that would facilitatedoing the puzzles in the way the erasable boards do. Sudoku puzzles arenumber puzzles in which the player is given certain numbers, then mustfill in the blanks with numerals 1-9 so that each column, each row, andeach box contains all 9 numbers. Sudoku puzzles are generally small insize making it difficult to make extra notations. Also, when errors aremade they are generally difficult to erase.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an erasable surface with a permanent Sudoku grid. Thegrid is 3×3 squares (or rectangles) replicated permanently on the board.Each part of this grid is then sub-divided into 3×3 in another way (i.e.different colors). This would allow the player to write in the “given”numbers of any Sudoku puzzle, then work the puzzle in a different color.The two main advantages are that the player can have a larger workingsurface, and that numbers can be written in or erased very easily.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

There is only one page, with a single drawing, showing an example ofwhat the Sudoku game board could look like—this one being a variation ofmy first game board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I made the invention using a white-erase board, that is currentlyavailable at many stores. Using permanent color markers I drew on alarge grid of 3 rectangles across and 3 rectangles down. Then I used adifferent permanent marker and subdivided each of those into 3×3rectangles. I could have used squares just as easily. When I purchasedthe white-erase board I also purchased erasable marking pens to use onthe board.

Sudoku puzzles are published in books, in newspapers and are availableon line. But they are usually small and often difficult to erase when anerror occurs. The Sudoku Board can be larger in size, making it easierto make small notations, as well as to write in the number solutions tothe puzzle. The Sudoku Board has an erasable surface so numbers wipe offeasily, whether from error or when the player finishes the game andclears the board.

The invention is easily made and easily marketed. Any manufacturer ofthe current erase boards can add the permanent grid to what they alreadydo. To make the product complete just include a couple of markers and asmall eraser.

1. Sudoku puzzles are currently being published, but having an erasableSudoku board creates a new medium on which to work the puzzles, and withdifferent sizes of boards the player is no longer restricted to thesmall puzzle on paper. The particular aspect of the invention that isnew and different comprises using an erasable surface with a permanentSudoku grid on it. This surface can vary and includes, but is notlimited to, erasable white boards and slates, with markers suitable tothe surface, and could include a means for erasing. The board can bemade in a variety of sizes. Traditionally, Sudoku puzzles have squaresin the grid, but here other shapes (i.e. rectangles) will also work. Itis this erasable surface with a permanent Sudoku grid that I wish tomarket or license.